The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Fuel tank

I'm resurrecting a 53 Big Bolt that has been resting for about 30 years, and obviously need to give the fuel tank a good cleaning. Any suggestions as to what I should, or maybe better yet, should not do. Thanks in advance.

Replace it,
Scott

I assume the truck is in Arizona. Probably not a rust bucket. Remove the tank and and clean it out or take it to a radiator shop. Have boiled out and recoated if required. Blow out the fuel lines. Go for it and good luck.
Larry

Thank you. AZ it is. Where else can you park a truck in a field for 30+ years and it not rust away to nothing. The worst thing so far is the fact that the whole cab, frame rails, any horizontal part for that matter, is full of cholla cactus that the pack rats dragged in. The only rust is the outside cab bottoms, which should be easy enough to patch.

I've never personally used the fuel tank cleaner from Eastwood, I've used allot of their other stuff and it's all been top notch, pricey but good quality. Might try that.

I used a cleaner and coating designed for tanks, the tank was in good shape, however after researching locally to have it dunked and cleaned it was the same price as a new tank, so that might be a consideration.

For the price I'd replace it. But if ya want to de-rust the inside, remove the sending unit and fill it with 3 gallons of toilet bowl cleaner and water. Let it sit over night and rinse with plenty of water in the morning. Done it to many many motorcycle tanks, works like a charm. I use "The Works" bowl cleaner, super harsh!

I'd follow Larry's advice.